Large marsh grasshopper  (Stethophyma grossum)

Populations of this grasshopper in England have declined dramatically during the past fifty years, and it has been lost from many localities within its former range. This decline is largely due to the widespread drainage of wetlands and extensive peat extraction. Burning of the heathland habitat and excessive heavy grazing are also likely to be responsible for the decline of this species. In Ireland the species still seems to be abundant in western regions.

Most known sites occupied by this species are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or National Nature Reserves (NNRs). The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) has highlighted this species as a priority for conservation. The plan aims to prevent the current population size or range decreasing further, and to re-establish populations in five sites in the historic range of the species before 2010. Work to this end will be assisted by the initiation of a captive breeding programme by Bristol Zoological Gardens and English Nature.